At least eight people have been confirmed dead after a hotel collapsed in Venezuela following a 5.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the country's northern region, according to officials. The incident occurred late Tuesday when the ground shook for approximately 30 seconds, causing the four-story building in the city of Puerto Cabello to crumble.
Details of the Collapse
The hotel, identified as the Hotel del Mar, was fully occupied at the time of the quake. Rescue teams worked through the night to search for survivors, pulling at least 15 people from the rubble. Civil Protection authorities stated that the death toll could rise as more debris is cleared.
Interior Minister Carmen Meléndez confirmed the fatalities in a televised address, saying, "We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our priority is to rescue those still trapped and provide medical attention to the injured." At least 30 people were reported injured, with several in critical condition.
Seismic Activity in the Region
The earthquake's epicenter was located 20 kilometers northeast of Puerto Cabello, at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey. The quake was felt across several states, including Carabobo, Aragua, and the capital Caracas, causing panic among residents. Venezuela is situated along the Caribbean tectonic plate boundary, making it prone to seismic activity, though such deadly collapses are rare.
President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency in the affected area and mobilized military personnel to assist in rescue operations. He also urged citizens to remain calm and follow safety protocols.
Impact and Response
Local hospitals were overwhelmed with the injured, prompting officials to set up field triage centers. The collapse has also raised questions about building safety standards in Venezuela, where infrastructure has deteriorated amid economic crisis. The Hotel del Mar was built in the 1970s and had not undergone recent structural assessments, according to municipal records.
International offers of aid have begun to arrive, with neighboring Colombia and Brazil sending search-and-rescue teams. The United Nations has also offered assistance. Meanwhile, families of the missing gathered near the site, awaiting news of their loved ones.
Engineers are assessing nearby buildings for structural damage, as aftershocks continue to rattle the region. Authorities have advised residents to stay away from unstable structures.
